It is easy to see why promoted clubs are always grouped among the relegation candidates at the start of each English Premier League season – after all, the history books do them no favours. From Sunderland’s woeful 15-point effort in 2005/06 to Derby’s pathetic 11-point, one-win campaign two years later, the prospect of top flight newcomers flopping is hard to shake.
Over the past decade, talk of the ‘gulf’ that separates the Premier League and the Championship has been widespread, targeting factors from spending power to style of play. It is perhaps the toughest step up in world football. And yet there is a growing sense that for just the second time in the Premier League era, all three promoted clubs will survive the drop, bucking the trend in the most emphatic manner possible.
Swansea, Norwich and Queens Park Rangers have all made clear statements of intent over the first 11 games of the campaign. They are not here to make up the numbers, they will not be intimidated and they will play their own brand of football regardless of the opposition. So far, this mindset has worked a treat, with the trio sitting comfortably in mid-table. Fortunes can change quickly – just ask Hull or Blackpool – but all signs point to these three clubs having the belief and quality to survive.
Of course, their odds of beating the drop are aided by the fact that Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers, in particular, have been in wretched form thus far. One win apiece confirms that both are definite relegation candidates. Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham and Bolton Wanderers are also visibly out of sorts and have neither the star power nor the squad depth to consider themselves too good to go down.
There is more to the top flight new boys’ story than just a healthy points haul. In fact, it is the quality and fearless attitude in their displays – in victory and defeat – that has especially caught the eye. While in the past newcomers have approached away games with the hope of clinging on for a point, Swansea and Norwich, in particular, have embraced the possibility of taking the full three points at every opportunity.
The Swans’ goalkeeper Michel Vorm has been a revelation thus far and, after securing a 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield earlier in the month, summed up his team’s mindset perfectly. “We weren’t overawed by being there, far from it", said the Dutchman. “We are not afraid of anybody. For a lot of players it was the first time being there [at Anfield], but we were not afraid.”
On the day, Swansea’s quality passing and movement put Liverpool to shame – and without spending big money. While Kenny Dalglish started duo Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson on the flanks, who cost Liverpool a combined fee in the region of £40M, Swansea showed much greater threat through the considerably cheaper pairing of Nathan Dyer and Wayne Routledge, with Scott Sinclair coming off the bench. Manager Brendan Rodgers has done a masterful job over the past few months and his decision to use Leon Britton in a deep-lying midfield playmaker role has been inspired.
Over at Loftus Road, QPR are reviving memories of the Les Ferdinand era. A spirited win over Chelsea and a narrow loss to Manchester City showcased the improvements made by manager Neil Warnock. Midfielder Joey Barton has not put a foot wrong so far and the additions of winger Shaun Wright-Phillips and centre back Anton Ferdinand have had a clear impact. Again, there is no fear of the supposedly ‘bigger’ clubs.
Not to be outdone, Norwich have enjoyed some heroic afternoons of their own. Paul Lambert’s side have shown real ambition and were unlucky to leave Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford without a point. A draw at Anfield was a big achievement and, like Swansea and QPR, results are being earned by outplaying opponents, not simply outbattling them. Flowing football has been a feature of Norwich’s season to date and Lambert has excelled in pairing this with a relentless work ethic.
Of course, all three teams have their weaknesses. Swansea, for all their pace, have often struggled to turn possession into goals. Norwich have been hindered by defensive lapses while QPR are still gelling and have yet to find the best role for the mercurial Adel Taarabt.
Much will depend on how the trio handle the frantic Christmas period, which tests stamina and squad depth. The table can be deceptive at times too, given that Norwich – currently in ninth, the highest placed team of the three – are just four points better off than Bolton, who occupy a spot in the relegation zone. The solid starts by the newly promoted clubs does not, by any means, guarantee an easy ride over the next six months, but it absolutely keeps survival on the table.
The odds suggest that at least one of these teams will be sucked back into the relegation scrap by the new year – but do not bank on it. Ask most neutrals for the top five teams they have enjoyed watching this season and it may come as a surprise how many would pick Swansea, Norwich or QPR. These teams have established the right balance between organised, disciplined tactics and ambition and creativity in possession, giving the Premier League a refreshing shot in the arm.
Back in 2002, Fulham, Blackburn and Bolton all retained their top flight status after rising from the second tier of English football. Nine years later, Swansea, Norwich and QPR are poised to repeat that feat.
